DVD authoring, PCM or AC3 ?

Finck · 14th March 2010

Hi!
I just finished to mix the documentary feature that includes three audio tracks in different languages and the mix output is in stereo. I asked the guy who is making dvd authoring to leave the soundtrack as PCM format, but he claims that he needs to convert the sound to AC-3 (or to compress video instead and to leave the sound in pcm) because there are some DVD players that will not be able to play wide stream of video and audio. If this is right? And if yes, what is the best settings for ac-3 format? Thanks.

Smallbudgetguru · 14th March 2010

If you didn't mix to a Dialnorm spec make sure he sets the Dialnorm on the AC3 to -31

iluvcapra · 14th March 2010

Quote:

Originally Posted by Finck

Hi!
I just finished to mix the documentary feature that includes three audio tracks in different languages and the mix output is in stereo. I asked the guy who is making dvd authoring to leave the soundtrack as PCM format, but he claims that he needs to convert the sound to AC-3 (or to compress video instead and to leave the sound in pcm) because there are some DVD players that will not be able to play wide stream of video and audio. If this is right? And if yes, what is the best settings for ac-3 format? Thanks.

DVDs can hold both kinds of audio, an DVD itself can have up to 8 audio streams per video (that's how they do the alternate languages and director's commentary, after all). These streams can be in any format supported by the standard -- DVD Studio Pro itself does PCM from 48k to 96k, Dolby Digital 2.0 and 5.1, and DTS.

georgia · 14th March 2010

just be careful about over all bit rate. You can kick up the bit rate with higher quality PCM audio, but with a high quality video stream you may run into problems on various DVD player. so which every way you go , be aware of overall bit rate and if you are going to professionally duplicate, make sure you meet the duplication standards and requirements for the DVD type you are authoring.

cheers
geo

Finck · 15th March 2010

Thank you for your responds.
Today I received the demo version of authorized dvd with sound track compressed to AC3. The sound became smooth and a bit boomy. Is that because of the way of mixing or it is AC3 side effects?

P.S. Is there some documentation on the net for ac3 settings?

georgia · 15th March 2010

Quote:

Originally Posted by Finck

P.S. Is there some documentation on the net for ac3 settings?

there is a lot in my post "geo's sound post corner"

cheers
geo

14th March 2010	#1
Finck Gear interested Joined: Nov 2009 Posts: 2 Thread Starter	DVD authoring, PCM or AC3 ? Hi! I just finished to mix the documentary feature that includes three audio tracks in different languages and the mix output is in stereo. I asked the guy who is making dvd authoring to leave the soundtrack as PCM format, but he claims that he needs to convert the sound to AC-3 (or to compress video instead and to leave the sound in pcm) because there are some DVD players that will not be able to play wide stream of video and audio. If this is right? And if yes, what is the best settings for ac-3 format? Thanks.

14th March 2010	#4
georgia Lives for gear Joined: Dec 2006 Location: NY NY Posts: 1,331	just be careful about over all bit rate. You can kick up the bit rate with higher quality PCM audio, but with a high quality video stream you may run into problems on various DVD player. so which every way you go , be aware of overall bit rate and if you are going to professionally duplicate, make sure you meet the duplication standards and requirements for the DVD type you are authoring. cheers geo __________________ ms georgia hilton mpe(editor) mpse cas NY NY http://www.filmdoctors.com http://www.hiltonmediamanagement.com http://www.hmmproductions.com http://www.editingtruck.com http://www.stage32.com/profile/6569/georgia-hilton http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0385255/resume MEMBER: IATSE LOCAL 700

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14th March 2010	#2
Smallbudgetguru Gear maniac Joined: Jan 2010 Posts: 243	If you didn't mix to a Dialnorm spec make sure he sets the Dialnorm on the AC3 to -31

15th March 2010	#5
Finck Gear interested Joined: Nov 2009 Posts: 2 Thread Starter	Thank you for your responds. Today I received the demo version of authorized dvd with sound track compressed to AC3. The sound became smooth and a bit boomy. Is that because of the way of mixing or it is AC3 side effects? P.S. Is there some documentation on the net for ac3 settings?